Theodore Roosevelt's long-lost pocket watch, stolen from Buffalo’s Wilcox Mansion nearly 37 years ago, has miraculously resurfaced at a Florida auction, throwing historians and memorabilia thieves alike into a tizzy.

Disappearing without a trace from an unlocked display case in 1987, Teddy Roosevelt’s adventurous pocket watch has finally reemerged, this time amidst bids and paddles at a Florida auction house. The sterling silver timepiece, an unforgettable gift from Roosevelt’s sister and brother-in-law, is now back where it belongs: on public display at Sagamore Hill. Meanwhile, the thief's identity remains as elusive as a Rough Rider's lost boot in the Amazon, leaving even the FBI scratching their heads.

The watch, engraved with Roosevelt’s name and the initials 'D.R. & C.R.R.' from its gift-givers, his sister Corinne Roosevelt Robinson and her husband Douglas Robinson, Jr., has been to more places than many well-traveled spies. From the bloody fields of the Battle of San Juan Hill to the imposing halls of the White House, and even on expeditions in Africa and the Amazon, the watch has seen its fair share of history. If only it could tell time and tales alike.

Its disappearance on July 20, 1987, was a significant blow to Roosevelt enthusiasts and historians. Stolen from an unlocked, glass-enclosed display case at Buffalo’s Wilcox Mansion right under everyone's noses, this audacious heist quickly became a cold case. While the pocket watch enjoyed its mysterious sabbatical, speculations about its whereabouts ranged from less glamorous suggestions of it being lost in a pawn shop to the more imaginative theories of it residing in a private collection somewhere swanky and warm.

Fast forward to 2023, a full 37 years later, the traveling timepiece made its unexpected encore at a Florida auction house. Notorious for its knack for attracting rare and interesting artifacts, the auction house couldn't foresee the storm of interest this unassuming pocket watch would create. Federal authorities, upon realizing its historical significance, swooped in faster than you could say 'Bully!' and recovered the watch in a dramatic fashion worthy of one of Roosevelt’s own adventures.

The return of the watch was formalized in a repatriation ceremony held at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site on Long Island. The National Park Service and the FBI took part in the ceremony, ensuring the watch received its well-deserved pomp and circumstance. With white gloves and likely some sighs of relief, officials placed the watch back on display, where visitors can now gaze upon it without fear of a sudden vanishing act.

Sagamore Hill, Roosevelt’s 'Summer White House', has been both a sanctuary for the former president's artifacts and, unfortunately, a target for mischief. The pocket watch heist isn't the only theft to have plagued the historic site. In 2010, a 15-inch walrus tusk was pilfered, proving that Roosevelt memorabilia has quite the allure, rivaling even rare treasures and fine art. Yet, despite these incidents, security measures have since likely been beefed up—though probably not involving any Rough Riders this time around.

Despite the triumphant return of the pocket watch, the thief behind its original disappearance remains unidentified. With no charges filed and no suspects in sight, the case continues to confound both the public and the FBI. The enduring mystery of who swiped the watch from its display adds another layer to the already rich tapestry of Roosevelt’s life, blending elements of intrigue and high adventure.

For now, visitors to Sagamore Hill can once again enjoy a piece of Roosevelt’s storied past, now safely behind modern glass. The reappearance of the pocket watch is a fortuitous reminder of the enduring appeal of history and the unexpected turns it can take. It looks like Teddy Roosevelt's legacy is not just about speaking softly and carrying a big stick, but also about keeping a close eye on your valuables.